Railway Jeep
Awarded: Silver
By: Francisco Bexiga
Manufacturer(s): Airfix
Modifications: Scratch-built wheels, towing mechanism, wheel-holders and steering wheel.
Description: This modification was used in France during the later part of the war, particularly in Isigny-Saint Lô route, but was also seen in Burma and Australia. The Airfix kit was build OOB with the inclusion of the scratch-built conversion parts, primed with Mr.Surfacer, undercoated with black and painted with a mix of Tamiya Olive Drab and Desert Yellow in a 50-50 ratio. This was sealed with floor wax and then the decals were applied. Another floor wax coat was given to receive some oil washes and a final coat of Modelmaster flat varnish preceded the application of some pigments.
- Judge 1
- Scratch built elements are very nicely done. While I’m not familiar with this particular subject at all (first time I’ve seen this modification of a Jeep), I would have thought that the paint on the contact surface of the rail wheels would have been worn through in very short order, so perhaps a worn, metallic look might have added some more diversity and interest to the colour scheme. Likewise, a bit of tonal variation on the Jerry can would add even more depth to the overall finish. Both internal and external weathering is nicely done and subtle, although a bit of dusting up of the road wheels and windshield would again add just a bit more life to the general appearance. Photography is well done. Overall, a nicely done model of a unique subject. Wayne
- Judge 2
- A very nice little build (and an original subject that makes a change from Panzers!). The base is also simple but nicely done, although it won't be judged here. The paint finish is very good and the single colour finish has a nice bit of variety of tone and shade. More dust around the lower hull would make a nice contrast and I'd definitely show more metal wear on the wheel surface that contacts the rails (perhaps also metallize the rails more too). Every rail vehicle I've seen shows this type of wear very clearly. Nicely done!
- Judge 3
- You nice and precisely done an interesting subject. Fine degree of scratch. Together with cute an minimalistic base is refreshing from usual "tankmania". I agree wit other 2 judges about painting of contact surfaces of road wheels and rails in metalic color. Also, You shoud put some dust on "Normal" wheels to blend them with dust on the body of the wehicle- they look too "fresh" and clean. Bodi of the subject looks a little bit shining to me for the scale (maybe is due to a flash lamp?) Overall, good little fellow !